Hundreds of demonstrators have gathered in central Seoul ahead of key diplomatic meetings, expressing their displeasure with both the United States and China, the BBC reports.
Protesters chanted “No Trump” outside the US embassy as police buses blocked their entry to the gates. A few hundred metres away, at Gyeongbokgung Palace, another group held banners reading “No China” and “No CCP, out”.
The demonstrations are against the US and Chinese leaders’ planned visit to South Korea this week.
South Korea has long been a key US ally, given its support since the Korean War. At the same time, China remains its biggest trading partner and most important export market.
“South Korea is in a difficult situation. President Lee is trying to maneuver between two superpowers with which the country is deeply economically integrated,” said Darcy Draudt-Vejares of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
It should be noted that on October 30, a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will take place in Seoul, which could affect US-China trade tensions.